Lipman takes helm of BDC, plans more direct role in driving investments

LACONIA — Henry Lipman, the new chairman of the board of directors of the Belknap Development Council, says that the organization doesn't have to accept the aging demographics of the county as its destiny.

''We don't have to accept that as the way we are going to end up,'' said Lipman, the executive vice preside and chief financial officer at LRGHealthcare, who has also been a Laconia city councilor since 2005.

Lipman said the council plans to become a catalyst for investors and play a more direct role in driving new investment as a partner-investor and/or owner in property development in the county.

Outgoing chairman Sean Sullivan, who will return to his former seat as BDC treasurer, said that the organization has improved its financial position over the last year and is well poised to undertake new ventures.

The organization presented the Corporate Soul Award to Ryan Barton of Mainstay Technology for his leadership on the 200x2020 Initiative and former Laconia Mayor Michael Seymour for his inspired leadership in two terms as mayor, including his work with the WLNH Children's Auction.

The Winnipesaukee Playhouse was presented with the Community Impact Award for bringing professional theater to the Lakes Region. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunleavy was also presented with a Community Impact Award for his work on the Downtown Riverwalk.

Former BDC Executive Director Carmen Lorentz was presented with a Founder's Award for her leadership during the last three years in which she helped revive the organization and launched many in ititiatives such as 200x2020 and Manufacturing Week. She is now Director of the State Division of Economic Development.

CAPTIONS

BDC Playhouse

Cristopher Boothby, president of the board of directors of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and Neil Pankhurst, one of the founders of the Playhouse, accept the Community Impact Award from Randy Eifert, a member of the board of directors of the Belknap Development Council, at the organization's annual meeting held at Lakes Region Community College in Laconia. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)

BDC Carmen

Carmen Lorentz, former executive director of the Belknap Development Council, accepts the Founder's Award from Mark Eddleston, former president of Lakes Region Community College and a former member of the board of directors of the BDC, and Sean Sullivan, the outgoing chairman of the Board of Directors of the BDC. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)